Accident
On 16 October 2012, at approximately 11:52 local time, a Robinson R44-II helicopter, registration RA-04206, collided with terrain near the settlement of Muravlyanka in the Kimovsky District of the Tula Region. The accident occurred at coordinates 53°41.610'N 038°31.171'E, about 6.4 kilometers south of the Muravlyanka NDB (omnidirectional radio beacon). The terrain elevation at the site is 218 meters above sea level, with a magnetic declination of +9°. The area is hilly, adjacent to a small forest with trees 20–30 meters in height.
Flight Details
The helicopter was engaged in a private authorized flight from the Bun'kovo landing site (Istrinsky District, Moscow Region) to the Plyazh landing site (Voronezh). No passengers were on board; the only occupant was the pilot. The flight was planned under visual flight rules (VFR) with a minimum weather requirement for the pilot of 150 meters vertical visibility, 2000 meters horizontal visibility, and a cloud ceiling of 13 meters (150x2000x13).
Pre-Flight Actions
On 16 October 2012, around 05:30, the pilot arrived at the departure site Bun'kovo. Due to the absence of a medical professional at the site, the pilot independently decided he was fit to fly. After performing a pre-flight inspection of the helicopter and reviewing all available meteorological information—most likely from internet sources—he decided to proceed with the flight. The pilot took off at 09:53.
Accident Sequence
At approximately 11:52, while en route, the helicopter struck the ground. The impact resulted in fatal injuries to the pilot.